Environmental Impact Statement; King County, Washington, 59414-59415 [2013-23446]

Download as PDF 59414 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 187 / Thursday, September 26, 2013 / Notices otherwise stated, any statement made during the meetings by a panel member should not be construed as an official position of the US government. The meeting will be open to all persons, subject to the capacity of the meeting room and phone lines available for those participating via conference call. Every effort will be made to accommodate all persons wishing to attend. The FAA and PHMSA will try to accommodate all speakers, subject to time constraints. Issued in Washington, DC, on September 20, 2013. Christopher Glasow, Director, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety. [FR Doc. 2013–23521 Filed 9–25–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact Statement; King County, Washington Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: The Federal Highway Administration is issuing this notice to advise the public that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for a proposed project to (1) manage congestion and traffic flow on I–90 between I–5 and I–405, which is in the Cross-Lake Washington Corridor, and (2) contribute revenue to the sustainable, long-term funding for timely completion of the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program and maintenance and future transportation improvements on I–90. The total length of the corridor is approximately seven (7) miles. The scoping period for this EIS is October 7, 2013 through November 6, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lindsey Handel, Urban Transportation Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Washington Division, 711 S. Capitol Way, Suite 501, Olympia, WA 98501; telephone: 360–753–9550; and email: lindsey.handel@dot.gov. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) agency coordination contact: Angela Angove, I– 90 Tolling Environmental Manager, Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT); 999 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98104; telephone: 206–805–2832; email: angovea@ wsdot.wa.gov. Additional information on the I–90 Tolling Project can also be tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:19 Sep 25, 2013 Jkt 229001 found on the project Web site at https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/ CrossLakeWATolling. In the 2012 Transportation Budget Bill, ESHB 2109, the Washington State Legislature directed WSDOT to ‘‘undertake a comprehensive environmental review of tolling Interstate 90 between I–5 and I– 405 for the purposes of both managing traffic and providing funding for construction of the unfunded SR 520 from I–5 to Medina project . . . ’’ The Cross-Lake Washington Corridor includes the I–90 and State Route (SR) 520 bridges, which are part of two parallel highways that along with portions of I–5 and I–405 operate as one larger system to connect the region’s major employment and population centers over Lake Washington, a 22mile-long body of water. The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an EIS will be prepared by FHWA and WSDOT on a proposed project to introduce tolling to I–90 between I–5 in Seattle and I–405 in Bellevue, Washington. The specific boundaries of the project study area will be defined in the EIS. FHWA and WSDOT initially planned to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for this project and conducted the first round of scoping between January 22, 2013 and February 22, 2013. FHWA and WSDOT received approximately 3,400 comments, most of which expressed concern with or opposition to tolls on I–90. Between the time that the scoping comment period ended in February 2013 and the time that the Scoping Summary Report was published in June, the Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate bill 5024, amending their previous direction to WSDOT by requiring an EIS for the project. Given the type of comments received during scoping urging FHWA and WSDOT to prepare on EIS in conjunction with the new state law, FHWA and WSDOT will move forward with an EIS to evaluate potential effects of the Project. Based on input received during the first scoping period, FHWA and WSDOT have revised the purpose and need statement. These changes include a revised purpose statement, as well as added clarification on the need to manage congestion on I–90, and the need for additional revenue to complete the SR 520, I–5 to Medina: Bridge Replacement and HOV Project. The revised purpose and need statement is available on the project Web site at https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/ CrossLakeWATolling. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Three tolling scenarios were introduced during the first scoping period. These included tolls collected between Seattle and Mercer Island, tolls collected between Bellevue and Mercer Island, and partial tolls collected on trips within a segment. In addition to these three tolling scenarios, several alternatives to tolling were suggested by the public and agencies. Suggested alternatives included, but are not limited to, other funding mechanisms for the SR 520 program such as gas tax, increasing tolls on SR 520, and vehicle miles traveled tax. Other alternatives suggested include tolling other facilities, increased transit service, and adding high occupancy toll lanes to I–90. All reasonable alternatives recommended by the Washington State Legislature, the public, and agencies will be considered and evaluated in the EIS to determine if they meet the purpose and need of the project: the EIS will also include a NoBuild Alternative. Agency Coordination: The lead agencies are coordinating with the local, state and federal resource agencies during the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Tribal Coordination: Formal Tribal government consultation will occur through government-to-government coordination. An agency and tribal scoping meeting will be held Thursday, October 10, 2013. WSDOT will send invitations to agencies and Tribes. Public Meetings: Three public information meetings will be held in October 2013, including: • Monday, October 10, 2013, 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Bellevue College located at 3000 Landerholm Circle, SE., Bellevue, WA 98007; • Tuesday, October 21, 2013, 4:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., at Mercer Island High School located at 9100 SE 42nd Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040; and • Thursday, October 23, 2013, 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Northwest African American Museum located at 2300 Massachusetts Street, Seattle, WA 98144. Agencies, Tribes, and the public are encouraged to submit comments on the revised purpose and need and preliminary range of alternatives during the scoping period. Comments must be received by November 6, 2013 to be included in the formal scoping record. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information: All public information meeting locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. Any individual who requires special assistance, such as a sign language interpreter, should contact Colleen Gants, WSDOT Toll Division E:\FR\FM\26SEN1.SGM 26SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 187 / Thursday, September 26, 2013 / Notices Communications and External Affairs at 206–716–1150 or gantsc@ consultant.wsdot.wa.gov at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting in order for WSDOT to make necessary arrangements. Comments received during the initial scoping process held January 22– February 22, 2013 will be considered in the preparation of this EIS. To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed action is addressed, and all significant issues identified, new or additional comments and suggestions are invited from interested parties during the second scoping period. Comments concerning this proposal will be accepted at the public meetings or can be sent by mail to I–90 Tolling Project, Attention: Angela Angove, 999 Third Avenue, Suite 2200, Seattle, WA 98104 or email sent to i90EIScomments@wsdot.wa.gov. Comments must be received by November 6, 2013 to be included in the formal scoping record. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this program.) Authority: 23 U.S.C. 139, 23 CFR 771, and 40 CFR 1500–1508 Dated: September 20, 2013. Daniel M. Mathis, Division Administrator, Olympia, WA. [FR Doc. 2013–23446 Filed 9–25–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration [Docket No. FTA–2013–0023] Formula Grants for Rural Areas: Guidance and Application Instructions Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of Availability of Proposed Circular and Request for Comments. AGENCY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has placed in the docket and on its Web site, proposed guidance in the form of a circular, to assist recipients in their implementation of the section 5311 Rural Area Formula Program. The purpose of this proposed circular is to provide recipients of FTA financial assistance with updated instructions and guidance on program administration and the grant application process. The proposed revisions to the existing circular are a result of changes tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:19 Sep 25, 2013 Jkt 229001 made to the Rural Area Formula Program by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP– 21). By this notice, FTA invites public comment on the proposed circular. DATES: Comments must be submitted by November 25, 2013. Late-filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Please submit your comments by only one of the following methods, identifying your submission by docket number FTA–2013–0023. All electronic submissions must be made to the U.S. Government electronic site at https://www.regulations.gov. (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. (2) Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. (3) Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. (4) Fax: 202–493–2251. Instructions: You must include the agency name (Federal Transit Administration) and Docket number (FTA–2013–0026) for this notice at the beginning of your comments. Submit two copies of your comments if you submit them by mail. For confirmation that FTA received your comments, include a self-addressed stamped postcard. All comments received will be posted without change to www.regulations.gov including any personal information provided and will be available to internet users. You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477) or https://DocketsInfo.dot.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents and comments received, go to www.regulations.gov at any time or to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE., Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For program questions, Lorna Wilson, Office of Transit Programs, Federal Transit Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Room E46–305, Washington, DC, 20590, phone: 202–366–0893 or email: Lorna.Wilson@dot.gov. For legal questions, Bonnie Graves, Office of PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 59415 Chief Counsel, same address, room E56– 306, phone: 202–366–4011, or email: Bonnie.Graves@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Overview II. Chapter-by-Chapter Analysis A. Chapter I—Introduction and Background B. Chapter II—Program Overview C. Chapter III—General Program Information D. Chapter IV—Program Development E. Chapter V—Program Management and Administrative Requirements F. Chapter VI—State Management Plan G. Chapter VII—Appalachian Development Public Transportation Assistance Program H. Chapter VIII—Intercity Bus I. Chapter IX—Rural Transportation Assistance Program J. Chapter X—Public Transportation on Indian Reservations K. Chapter XI—Other Provisions L. Appendices I. Overview This notice provides a summary of proposed changes to FTA Circular 9040.1F, ‘‘Non-urbanized Area Formula Program Guidance and Grant Application Instructions.’’ The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP–21, Pub. L. 112–141), signed into law on July 6, 2012, renamed the Section 5311 program as the Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program. Generally the Section 5311 program provides formula funding to States and Indian Tribes for the purpose of supporting public transportation in areas with a population of less than 50,000. Funding may be used for capital and planning projects, job access reverse commute projects, operating assistance and administration expenses. FTA is updating the existing circular, 9040.1F, published on April 1, 2007, to reflect changes in the law. Because MAP–21 amended the name of the section 5311 program from the Formula Grants for Other Than Urbanized Area Program to the Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program, the word ‘‘rural’’ replaces ‘‘non-urbanized area’’ or ‘‘other than urbanized area’’ throughout the proposed circular. Under MAP–21, the changes to this program include changes to the formula, eligible activities, and to the set-asides that support other rural transit programs within this section, such as the Tribal Transit Program. These changes are described below. MAP–21 made several significant changes to Federal transit law that are applicable across all of FTA’s financial assistance programs and reflected in the proposed circular. These changes E:\FR\FM\26SEN1.SGM 26SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 187 (Thursday, September 26, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59414-59415]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-23446]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement; King County, Washington

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Federal Highway Administration is issuing this notice to 
advise the public that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be 
prepared for a proposed project to (1) manage congestion and traffic 
flow on I-90 between I-5 and I-405, which is in the Cross-Lake 
Washington Corridor, and (2) contribute revenue to the sustainable, 
long-term funding for timely completion of the SR 520 Bridge 
Replacement and HOV Program and maintenance and future transportation 
improvements on I-90. The total length of the corridor is approximately 
seven (7) miles. The scoping period for this EIS is October 7, 2013 
through November 6, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lindsey Handel, Urban Transportation 
Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Washington Division, 711 S. 
Capitol Way, Suite 501, Olympia, WA 98501; telephone: 360-753-9550; and 
email: lindsey.handel@dot.gov. Washington State Department of 
Transportation (WSDOT) agency coordination contact: Angela Angove, I-90 
Tolling Environmental Manager, Washington Department of Transportation 
(WSDOT); 999 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98104; telephone: 206-805-2832; 
email: angovea@wsdot.wa.gov. Additional information on the I-90 Tolling 
Project can also be found on the project Web site at  https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/CrossLakeWATolling.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the 2012 Transportation Budget Bill, ESHB 
2109, the Washington State Legislature directed WSDOT to ``undertake a 
comprehensive environmental review of tolling Interstate 90 between I-5 
and I-405 for the purposes of both managing traffic and providing 
funding for construction of the unfunded SR 520 from I-5 to Medina 
project . . . ''
    The Cross-Lake Washington Corridor includes the I-90 and State 
Route (SR) 520 bridges, which are part of two parallel highways that 
along with portions of I-5 and I-405 operate as one larger system to 
connect the region's major employment and population centers over Lake 
Washington, a 22-mile-long body of water. The FHWA is issuing this 
notice to advise the public that an EIS will be prepared by FHWA and 
WSDOT on a proposed project to introduce tolling to I-90 between I-5 in 
Seattle and I-405 in Bellevue, Washington. The specific boundaries of 
the project study area will be defined in the EIS.
    FHWA and WSDOT initially planned to prepare an environmental 
assessment (EA) for this project and conducted the first round of 
scoping between January 22, 2013 and February 22, 2013. FHWA and WSDOT 
received approximately 3,400 comments, most of which expressed concern 
with or opposition to tolls on I-90. Between the time that the scoping 
comment period ended in February 2013 and the time that the Scoping 
Summary Report was published in June, the Washington State Legislature 
passed Engrossed Substitute Senate bill 5024, amending their previous 
direction to WSDOT by requiring an EIS for the project. Given the type 
of comments received during scoping urging FHWA and WSDOT to prepare on 
EIS in conjunction with the new state law, FHWA and WSDOT will move 
forward with an EIS to evaluate potential effects of the Project.
    Based on input received during the first scoping period, FHWA and 
WSDOT have revised the purpose and need statement. These changes 
include a revised purpose statement, as well as added clarification on 
the need to manage congestion on I-90, and the need for additional 
revenue to complete the SR 520, I-5 to Medina: Bridge Replacement and 
HOV Project. The revised purpose and need statement is available on the 
project Web site at https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/CrossLakeWATolling.
    Three tolling scenarios were introduced during the first scoping 
period. These included tolls collected between Seattle and Mercer 
Island, tolls collected between Bellevue and Mercer Island, and partial 
tolls collected on trips within a segment. In addition to these three 
tolling scenarios, several alternatives to tolling were suggested by 
the public and agencies. Suggested alternatives included, but are not 
limited to, other funding mechanisms for the SR 520 program such as gas 
tax, increasing tolls on SR 520, and vehicle miles traveled tax. Other 
alternatives suggested include tolling other facilities, increased 
transit service, and adding high occupancy toll lanes to I-90. All 
reasonable alternatives recommended by the Washington State 
Legislature, the public, and agencies will be considered and evaluated 
in the EIS to determine if they meet the purpose and need of the 
project: the EIS will also include a No-Build Alternative.
    Agency Coordination: The lead agencies are coordinating with the 
local, state and federal resource agencies during the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
    Tribal Coordination: Formal Tribal government consultation will 
occur through government-to-government coordination.
    An agency and tribal scoping meeting will be held Thursday, October 
10, 2013. WSDOT will send invitations to agencies and Tribes.
    Public Meetings: Three public information meetings will be held in 
October 2013, including:
     Monday, October 10, 2013, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., at the 
Bellevue College located at 3000 Landerholm Circle, SE., Bellevue, WA 
98007;
     Tuesday, October 21, 2013, 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., at Mercer 
Island High School located at 9100 SE 42nd Street, Mercer Island, WA 
98040; and
     Thursday, October 23, 2013, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., at the 
Northwest African American Museum located at 2300 Massachusetts Street, 
Seattle, WA 98144.
    Agencies, Tribes, and the public are encouraged to submit comments 
on the revised purpose and need and preliminary range of alternatives 
during the scoping period. Comments must be received by November 6, 
2013 to be included in the formal scoping record.
    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information: All public 
information meeting locations are accessible to persons with 
disabilities. Any individual who requires special assistance, such as a 
sign language interpreter, should contact Colleen Gants, WSDOT Toll 
Division

[[Page 59415]]

Communications and External Affairs at 206-716-1150 or 
gantsc@consultant.wsdot.wa.gov at least 48 hours in advance of the 
meeting in order for WSDOT to make necessary arrangements.
    Comments received during the initial scoping process held January 
22-February 22, 2013 will be considered in the preparation of this EIS. 
To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed action 
is addressed, and all significant issues identified, new or additional 
comments and suggestions are invited from interested parties during the 
second scoping period. Comments concerning this proposal will be 
accepted at the public meetings or can be sent by mail to I-90 Tolling 
Project, Attention: Angela Angove, 999 Third Avenue, Suite 2200, 
Seattle, WA 98104 or email sent to i90EIScomments@wsdot.wa.gov. 
Comments must be received by November 6, 2013 to be included in the 
formal scoping record.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.)

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 139, 23 CFR 771, and 40 CFR 1500-1508

    Dated: September 20, 2013.
Daniel M. Mathis,
Division Administrator, Olympia, WA.
[FR Doc. 2013-23446 Filed 9-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P
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